Batlokwa face uncertain future amid land disputes
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday January 12, 2026 06:00
The announcement has reignited long-standing concerns about land, development, and the future growth of Tlokweng village, leaving many residents anxious and frustrated about what lies ahead.
To begin with, the news came after the Batlokwa chieftainship formally rejected the Tlokweng Development Plan, a proposal that had earlier identified Sefhoke area and Mabutswe lands as potential zones for the village expansion.
While the plan initially appeared to offer hope to thousands of those on waiting list for residential plots, traditional leaders raised strong objections, particularly regarding Mabutswe lands.
According to Batlokwa traditional leaders, Mabutswe should remain strictly reserved for farming and ploughing purposes and not be converted into residential areas.
In their view, protecting agricultural land is essential for food security and the preservation of traditional livelihoods. Consequently, despite earlier agreements that seemed to support the inclusion of Mabutswe in the expansion plan, the situation took a dramatic turn.
Addressing farmers and community members during the gathering, Segokgo revealed that a recent letter from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands had officially endorsed the position of traditional leadership.
“As a result, Mabutswe lands are to be removed entirely from the proposed expansion areas. This decision, while welcomed by some farmers, has deepened the crisis surrounding land shortages in Tlokweng,” he revealed.
Moreover, the MP explained the magnitude of the challenge facing the village. According to the ministry’s guidance, the community must now reconsider its expansion strategy because Sefhoke area alone can only accommodate approximately 1,800 residential plots.
“This figure stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming demand, as the current waiting list reportedly includes more than 55,000 people seeking land allocation,” Segokgo revealed.
In light of these constraints, the legislator outlined what he described as the only remaining options available for the village.
“Firstly, Batlokwa may have to consider expanding towards Maratadiba, beyond the bridge, an area that comes with its own logistical and infrastructural challenges. Alternatively, the village leadership could explore negotiations with the owners of Ruretse, with the possibility of purchasing land to accommodate future growth.
“However, both options require extensive consultations, financial resources, and government approval, making them far from simple solutions,” he said.
Meanwhile, land expansion was not the only burning issue raised by Batlokwa during the meeting. Equally contentious was the long-standing problem surrounding the removal of the fence that once separated Tlokweng from Gaborone.
“For many farmers, this issue has had direct and costly consequences on their livelihoods,” said a concerned farmer.
Several complained that, since the fence was removed, their cattle frequently wander into the city, where they are confiscated by Gaborone City Council (GCC) authorities.
They argued that their situation is unique compared to other villages, given Tlokweng’s close proximity to the capital city.
Without a clear physical boundary, they feel exposed to penalties that other farming communities do not face, despite following similar livestock-rearing practices.
Responding to these grievances, Segokgo acknowledged the farmers’ frustrations and provided historical context to the fence dispute.
He explained that the issue dates back more than 15 years, when the removal of the fence was justified by the view that reinstating it would effectively create an internal border within the country.
However, Segokgo expressed a different perspective, emphasising Tlokweng’s special circumstances as a village bordering the city.
Furthermore, he assured residents that he intends to re-table the matter before government, arguing that the realities on the ground now demand a fresh approach.
According to Segokgo, the absence of the fence has created ongoing conflict between farmers and city authorities, and government must seriously reconsider mechanisms to protect rural livelihoods while maintaining urban order.
As the village grapples with limited space, soaring demand for plots, and unresolved boundary issues, residents are left waiting for decisive and inclusive solutions.
Ultimately, the coming months will be critical in determining whether government, traditional leadership, and political representatives can work together to secure a sustainable and dignified future for the people of Tlokweng.